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Propionibacterium acnes Infection in the Native Hip: A Case Report
Nathanael Heckmann1, Lakshmanan Sivasundaram, Jay R Lieberman
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck Hospital of USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1500 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033. jay.lieberman@med.usc.edu.
This case report details a rare subacute Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) infection in the native hip of an immunocompetent patient. Early suspicion is crucial for diagnosing P. acnes hip infections due to subtle symptoms and delayed culture results.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Osteonecrosis of the hip can present with varied etiologies.
- Subacute bacterial infections of native joints are uncommon and challenging to diagnose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of subacute Propionibacterium acnes infection in a native hip.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges associated with P. acnes joint infections.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 65-year-old male with bilateral hip osteonecrosis.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and microbiological analysis were reviewed.
Main Results:
- A subacute Propionibacterium acnes infection was identified in the femoral head.
- The patient had no history of trauma or prior surgery.
Conclusions:
- Propionibacterium acnes hip infections can be difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms and delayed microbial growth.
- Maintaining a high clinical suspicion is essential for timely diagnosis and management of these rare infections.
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